Read Psalm 14-15
About ten years ago my wife and I were on a missions trip in the Philippines. While there, we had the opportunity to visit Corregidor Island. If you know your World War II history, you may have heard of this place. It played an important role during the invasion and eventual liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces. The island was invaded by the Japanese. American and Filipino troops under the command of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur had to retreat. MacArthur was able to escape but about 90,000 soldiers were captured. But as a way to rally the troops and encourage them to not lose hope, he uttered the famous words, “I Shall Return”. This promise became a mantra for MacArthur during the next three years. And after three years away, MarArthur returned and declared to the Filipino people on a radio broadcast, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!”. General MacArthur and his forces would go on to defeat Japan and liberate the Philippines. A leader who inspired hope for victory by the promise of his return. Does that sound familiar at all?
In Psalm 14 we see David declare what seemed like a hopeless situation... "there is none who does good" (v. 1). And in chapter 15 David declares, "Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" If there is none that is good, how could anyone dwell with a holy God? And that's what makes v. 7 of Psalm 14 such a glorious picture of the gospel. Verse 7 says, "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad." This verse is speaking about the coming Messiah. Jeremiah prophesied about the result of the Messiah coming in Jeremiah 31:33. Jeremiah 31:33 states, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people." The result of Jesus coming was that the hearts of the people would be changed, and they would be able to be a holy people dwelling with a holy God. The kind of people David talked about in Psalm 15.
Jew and Gentile alike have reaped the benefit of a Savior who came and died for our sins and rose to defeat sin and death in our lives. We went from being condemned by sin to being adopted as the sons and daughters of God. And Jesus proclaimed in the Bible that "I shall return". And that's exactly what He will do. He will come on a white horse and for all eternity He will be our "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16).
Have you fully embraced Jesus as your "King of kings and Lord of lords"? What would it look like to do so?
In response to what Christ has done on your behalf, how would you need to pursue holiness in your life this week?
Prayer for the day: "King of kings and Lord of lords, thank you that I can with confidence believe that you will return and that you will make all things new. You are a holy God and I ask that you help me grow in holiness. Lord, thank you for my salvation. Amen."